Spanish Pointer vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison

Spanish Pointer vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog - Breed ComparisonSpanish Pointer is originated from Spain but Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is originated from Switzerland. Both Spanish Pointer and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog are having almost same height. Spanish Pointer may weigh 40 kg / 88 pounds lesser than Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Spanish Pointer may live 3 years more than Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Spanish Pointer may have less litter size than Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Spanish Pointer requires Low maintenance. But Greater Swiss Mountain Dog requires Moderate maintenance

History

spanish pointer - historyThe Spanish Pointer is a large hunting breed. The dog hails from Spain and it is believed that the dog was used to develop other pointing breeds.

It is popular in Spain but fairly unknown beyond Spanish borders. Known as the Burgos Pointer, the official name for the dog is Perdiguero de Burgos.

It is thought that the dog comes from mixing the Pachon Navarra and the Sabueso Espanol. The dog was developed to point out game so they have the typical longish head with the pointing tail.

greater swiss mountain dog - historyHailing from Switzerland, and one of its oldest dog breeds, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog has a dubious history in that there are a number of theories as to its origin. He is closely related to the Bernese Mountain Dog, Saint Bernard and Rottweiler.

Of all the theories, the one that says he is descended from large, mastiff-like dogs is a popular one. He used to be a herding- and guard dog, but also was used to pull carts of farm produce.

It was in the 1900s that the dog’s numbers started dwindling. In 1908, canine researcher, Albert Heim recognized the dogs as being large members of the Sennenhund type, a family of four breeds that includes the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog.

He wanted to see the dogs recognized as a separate breed and the Swiss Kennel Club listed the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog in 1909.

In 1968 they were brought to the United States and a club for them was formed. The dog was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1995 with the dog being recognized as a member of the Working group.

Description

spanish pointer puppy - descriptionThe body of this dog is true to the Pointer type of dog with the body being muscular and lean.

He stands at between 62 to 67cm in height and weighs about 25 to 30kg. The ears are quite long and floppy and the tail is usually docked to a third of its length.

The coat which is mostly short can be whitish with tan or brown markings with freckling or it can be a brownish shade with darker brown markings.

Temperament:

The Spanish Pointer is a quiet, calm, gentle dog and not at all aggressive. They’re able to get on well with children and other pets.

They’re dogs that love the great outdoors and aren’t suited to city living. They’re dogs that need a good deal of exercise too. Being intelligent the pointer dog will benefit from training and socialization.

greater swiss mountain dog puppy - descriptionSwissies, as they are often referred to as, are large, robust dogs, standing at 65–72cm and weighing anything between 50 – 70kg, with the females being slightly smaller and weighing a little less.

He has big, rounded paws, medium length floppy ears, a broad chest and a long tail. This is a heavy-boned dog, strong while still being agile.

His dense, double coat is black, white and tan or rust, with black on top of the dog's back, ears, tail and legs. There are two rust dots above each eye. The coat can be short and straight to medium length, coarse and wavy. The dog sheds throughout the year with a major shedding a couple of times a year.

Temperament:

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a sociable canine, thriving on being part of a loving human family. While he used to be a working farm dog, today he is essentially a family pet, though he loves to still be busy.

He is generally friendly with strangers, but just like with all other dog breeds, he will need to be trained and socialized to turn him into an even-tempered, obedient dog, capable of getting on well with children and pets in the the home.

Characteristics

spanish pointer dog - characteristicsYour attractive Spanish Pointer is such an amicable dog that it is a pleasure to have him around you.

He makes such a splendid pet, but only if their intense exercise needs are catered to. He can’t possibly be expected to spend days in a tiny yard with nothing to do. It would be cruel.

Their top priority is to be out in the fields hunting. Nonetheless he gets on well with children and other dogs, and with the right home and environment you’ll be so glad you chose one of these beautiful dogs as your friend.

greater swiss mountain dog dog - characteristicsThe Swissy is an easy going dog and adapts easily into his human family’s lifestyle. He is big, but agile dog known for his gentle temperament.

While he loves the outdoors, he is a social dog and loves nothing more than coming indoors and being close to his human family.

He loves his family and won’t do well if left outside for days without human companionship. Treat him well and you’ll be rewarded with a loyal, loving 4-legged family member.

Health Problems

spanish pointer puppies - health problemsThe Spanish Pointer is a healthy dog breed that can live to be as old as 15 if he gets the right care.

Like other dogs, they can develop certain health problems, and you want to be aware of cherry eye, ear infections, hip dysplasia and allergies.

Ear Infections:

These dogs just love to swim, and it can be difficult to keep the inside of his ears from moisture.

Unfortunately wax, dirt and moisture can all cause an ear infection. Ear infections can be extremely painful. You’ll see your dog shaking his head and pawing at his ears. There will be redness inside the ear and possibly a discharge too. He will need to see the vet.

greater swiss mountain dog puppies - health problemsThe GSMD or Sennenhund, as his name is shortened to, is a fairly healthy dog breed, with very few health issues.

He has an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years, and although not likely, he can suffer from minor problems such as gastric torsion as well as female urinary incontinence. If your female dog is dribbling urine in her sleep, there are a number of reasons that can be causing it - bladder infections, a medical condition or a weakened bladder with spayed female dogs.

It is certainly time to get your pet to the vet who will recommend a urinalysis.

Caring The Pet

Exercise:

spanish pointer dogs - caringAs a hunting dog, the Spanish Pointer has always been used to a lot of exercise. If you don’t use him for hunting, you will need to take him on long walks. They just love sniffing around and following a scent. Ball and frisbee games where you get him running will be excellent for him.

Diet:

The Spanish Pointer is a large hunting dog, so when you choose commercially manufactured dog food, make sure it’s for large breed dogs. Also make sure the food is for active dogs too.

The manufacturers of these dog foods know what vitamins and minerals to include for active dogs like these. Read the packaging carefully and avoid the inferior dog foods as they are full of ingredients that can make your dog sick.

Try and feed your Spanish Pointer some home-made food too. Make sure it isn’t spicy, exotic foods as these can cause digestive problems.

Food such as boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta, sweet potatoes, spinach and carrots are superb, simple food choices for your canine friend. You can chop it up and add some of this to the dry kibble twice a week as a treat for your pet.

Try and add some raw meat to the diet occasionally as this can be helpful in preventing skin infections.

Never leave your dog without a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Grooming:

The coat of your dog is short so a good brush twice a week will keep it in tip top condition. If he is super active, with a mitt or damp cloth you can wipe down his fur if it has mud stuck to it. It’s your time to check him over for ticks and fleas as well.

Diet:

greater swiss mountain dog dogs - caringThe Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a robust dog and thrives on a diet of kibble to raw meat to some cooked home-made food such as chicken, brown rice and vegetables.

A serious issue with the GSMD is overfeeding, resulting in uncomfortable digestive problems and of course, obesity.

Exercise:

Your GSMD isn’t a dog that is going to require a lot of exercise like some of the other dog breeds there are, but still his working career of the past requires that he still be taken on daily walks, enjoys ball- and rope games and to go swimming.

Grooming:

Brush your dogs coat at least twice a week to remove loose hears. Other grooming aspects include cleaning the ears to avoid infection, clipping his nails and brushing his teeth at least twice a week.

If you’re not sure how to do all these things, there are useful accessories for dogs that allow you to do all this grooming on your own. Your vet can also show you how as these are all things that will require ongoing attention.

Basic Information

Group:
Gun dog
Working dog
Origin:
Spain
Switzerland
Height Male:
62 - 67 cm
24 - 27 inches
65 - 72 cm
25 - 29 inches
Height Female:
62 - 67 cm
24 - 27 inches
60 - 70 cm
23 - 28 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 30 kg
55 - 67 pounds
60 - 70 kg
132 - 155 pounds
Weight Female:
25 - 30 kg
55 - 67 pounds
55 - 70 kg
121 - 155 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 6
5 - 10
Size:
Large dog
Large dog
Other Names:
Burgos Pointer
GSMD, Swissy, Sennenhund
Colors Available:
White with liver or brown patches
Black, white and rust
Coat:
Short and smooth
Short and straight to medium length, coarse and wavy
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Spanish Pointer vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  2. Spanish Pointer vs German Shorthaired Pointer - Breed Comparison
  3. Spanish Pointer vs Irish Setter - Breed Comparison
  4. Spanish Pointer vs Bracco Italiano - Breed Comparison
  5. Spanish Pointer vs Portuguese Pointer - Breed Comparison
  6. Spanish Pointer vs Perdiguero de Burgos - Breed Comparison
  7. Spanish Pointer vs Irish Red and White Setter - Breed Comparison
  8. Spanish Pointer vs Pachon Navarro - Breed Comparison
  9. Spanish Pointer vs Grand Gascon Saintongeois - Breed Comparison
  10. Spanish Pointer vs Slovakian Rough Haired Pointer - Breed Comparison
  11. Spanish Pointer vs Slovensky Hrubosrsty Stavac - Breed Comparison
  12. Spanish Pointer vs Smooth Haired Weimaraner - Breed Comparison
  13. Spanish Pointer vs Longhaired Weimaraner - Breed Comparison
  14. Spanish Pointer vs Braque Francais (Gascogne Type) - Breed Comparison
  15. Spinone Italiano vs Spanish Pointer - Breed Comparison
  16. Talbot vs Spanish Pointer - Breed Comparison
  17. Vikhan Sheepdog vs Spanish Pointer - Breed Comparison
  18. Weimaraner vs Spanish Pointer - Breed Comparison
  19. Spanish Pointer vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  20. Spanish Pointer vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  21. Spanish Pointer vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  22. Spanish Pointer vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  23. Spanish Pointer vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  24. Spanish Pointer vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  25. Samoyed vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  26. Presa Canario vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  27. Labrador Husky vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  28. Mackenzie River Husky vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  29. Pyredoodle vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  30. Lurcher vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  31. Maremma Sheepdog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  32. Sarplaninac vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  33. Himalayan Mastiff vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  34. Mountain View Cur vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  35. Native American Indian Dog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  36. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  37. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  38. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  39. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  40. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  41. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  42. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Bullmastiff - Breed Comparison
  43. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Great Pyrenees - Breed Comparison
  44. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  45. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  46. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Argentine Dogo - Breed Comparison
  47. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Giant Schnauzer - Breed Comparison
  48. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds